for immediate release:
DRIFF opens submissions for 2022 with a community-centred strategic vision
Whitby, ON: The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) is proud to announce filmmaker submissions for its fall festival are now open. DRIFF 2022, running September 29 to October 1, will be the first to be guided by the organization’s newly released strategic plan which aims to connect Durham communities through the power of film.
The strategic planning process was made possible by a $54,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in late 2020. DRIFF, in collaboration with Toronto-based Bespoke Collective, consulted its community partners, stakeholders, filmmakers, board and staff to identify audience needs and shape the goals of the 2021-2024 roadmap. DRIFF will continue to bring the film festival experience to diverse audiences in Durham Region with an emphasis on community, education, and development of local talent.
“The success of Durham Region’s International Film Festival is proof of the importance and status of Ontario's film sector. Investments through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund help maintain Ontario's competitive status as a leader in support of a world-class entertainment sector, and contribute to a spectacular double bottom line - the financial bottom line of the Province, as well as the equally important bottom line of the Region’s cultural fabric and identity,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe.
In addition to the new strategic plan, the OTF grant helped fund an Administrator position, communications, digital marketing, software and some administrative costs as well. The plan is guided by five strategic priorities that include planning a sustainable financial strategy, implementing a new organizational structure, prioritizing audience growth and marketing, creating an expansive partnership model, and re-imagining programming opportunities that connect with communities. By keeping these priorities in focus, DRIFF hopes to foster, build and promote a vibrant film culture in Durham Region that demonstrates inclusiveness while inspiring young filmmakers and providing them with a launch pad to success.
“I am excited to announce the launch of our new strategic plan, designed to unleash the power of film in Durham Region by offering educational opportunities to develop local creativity, storytelling, and experimentation through moving images,” said Greg Murphy, Chair of the DRIFF Board of Directors. “This plan sets the course for DRIFF’s future during a pivotal time for our growing festival.”
DRIFF plans to continue drive-in presentations in the summer of 2022 while the festival returns September 29 - October 1, 2022. The early bird deadline for filmmaker submissions is April 4, 2022.
The full strategic plan can be read here: driff.ca/strategic-plan
About DRIFF: DRIFF is a not-for-profit film festival rooted in the communities of Durham. DRIFF will engage a diverse network of audiences, filmmakers, and collaborators to promote film as a form of creative expression and a catalyst for community building. Find out more at driff.ca.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more
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Media contact:
Laurie Turner, laurie@driff.ca
Durham Region International Film Festival
www.driff.ca @catchthedriff